Getting stains out of furniture can be really hard and annoying. You can make your custom furniture look brand new again, though, if you know how to clean it right. Whether the stain is from food, ink, or some other type of filthy stain on your coffee table, that won’t go away, it makes no difference. This guide will show you how to remove stains from furniture in easy steps.
4 Easy Steps to Remove Stains from Furniture
1. Spotting the Stain
The first step is to take a close look at the stain and identify what caused it. Is it grease, food, dirt, ink, etc? It will help you determine the best way to tackle removing it. Also, take note of how long the stain has been there and how deep it has penetrated the furniture fabric or finish. A fresh stain will be easier to remove than an older, set-in stain.
2. Pretest Cleaning Solutions
Test a cleaning solution on a tiny, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire stain. It lets you see if the solution discolors or damages the furniture. Surfaces vary in delicateness. Use a small amount of your cleaning solution to dip a white cloth and gently wipe a hidden stain. After drying, check the furniture’s reaction. Without discoloration or harm, this solution can be used on the rest of the stain.
3. Remove Excess Debris
If the stain has dried food, grease, or dirt on the surface, lightly brush or scrape off the excess material with a dull knife. You want to remove whatever is easy to get off first. Avoid aggressively scrubbing at this point, which can rub the stain further into the fibers.
4. Clean with a Mild Detergent
For most stains, start by blotting the area with a soft sponge or cloth dampened with a mild detergent mixed with warm water. Avoid aggressively rubbing or scrubbing, which can spread the stain. Work from the outside of the stain inward so you don’t spread it out more. Rinse the sponge frequently as you work. Let the area air dry completely and check if the stain has lifted. Repeating this process may lift more of the stain.
Know Your Stain Type and Removal Solutions
If gentle detergent dabbing doesn’t remove the stain, it’s time to consider stain-specific removal solutions. Here are some of the most common household stain types and what to use on them:
- Food stains: Mix white vinegar and water and sprinkle baking soda on top. Let this effervescent mixture stay on the stain for 1-2 hours before brushing and dabbing. Vinegar breaks down food while baking soda gently abrades.
- Drink stains (coffee, wine, etc): Soak a towel in cold water first. After spraying abundantly with WD-40, wait 5 minutes and blot. WD-40 breaks down drink tannins.
- Ink stains: Rub with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol or hairspray. Alcohol degrades ink. Avoid nail polish remover, which can stain furniture.
- Grease stains: Spread cornstarch widely and let sit for 1-2 hours. Cornstarch absorbs grease for brushing or vacuuming. Easy!
- Mud or dirt stains: Let the mud dry, then gently brush away what you can. Scrub any leftover filth with a soft bristle brush dipped in dish soap and warm water.
Other Cleaning Solutions to Remove Stains from Furniture
Upholstery Cleaners
If you have an upholstered piece of furniture, like a custom sofa or L shaped sofa a dedicated upholstery cleaner will lift stubborn stains and refresh the fabric. Check the furniture tag first to ensure what kind of upholstery cleaner is safe to use. Then spray or foam on the cleaner, allowing it time to penetrate the stain according to package directions. Use a soft cloth to blot and lift the stain as the cleaner works gently. Avoid aggressive scrubbing on delicate upholstery.
Steam Cleaners
For furniture that can resist high humidity, a handheld steam cleaner can remove stains from cloth. Hot steam and deep-injected cleaning solution clean the upholstery thoroughly. The steam cleaner should be 6 inches above the surface and used twice in every sector. Vacuum excess moisture to avoid wet spots on dried textiles. Dry the furniture before using it again.
Bleach Remedies
Another cleanser won’t remove stubborn stains from white or colorfast materials, but diluted bleach may. Mix one part bleach with four parts water. The first test is on a hidden location to guarantee bleach won’t stain fabric. Wait 1-2 minutes after light sponge or dabbing the solution on the stain. To remove bleach residue, rinse well with vinegar water. Dry the furniture before using it again.
Furniture Polishes
Furniture polish helps hide minor stains and scratches on finished wood furniture, such as kitchen cabinets and dining tables after cleaning. Rub a small amount with a delicate cloth into the stain in circles. Overspraying polish on wood finishes can cause uneven shine. Polish the wood in portions and buff it thoroughly for maximum results.
Also Visit: How to Deep Clean and Organize Your Wardrobe?
When to Call for Professional Help
If you’ve given the stain your best shot using the best tips for how to remove stains from furniture but can’t get it out fully, it may be time to call a professional. Our cleaning experts have access to more heavy-duty stain removal solutions. They also have powerful extraction machines that can draw out ingrained stains from furniture padding and upholstery.
Conclusion
With some supplies and techniques, you can deal with many everyday stains yourself. But don’t hesitate to bring in the experts when needed so your furniture looks it’s absolute best! Maintain that just-purchased look by staying on top of spills and stains right when they happen. With patience and persistence, you can keep your furniture looking beautiful.
We are the top-rated supplier of custom furniture in Dubai. I hope this guide was helpful related to removal of stains from furniture.
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